Waukesha County: An Outdoor Enthusiast's Haven

Located in the Milwaukee Area

If you enjoy the outdoors and plan to visit the Milwaukee area, make sure to plan a trip to Waukesha County. Not only does the area boast 77 lakes but it is home to many parks and recreational trails. So lace up those hiking boots and get set to enjoy the fall colors at any or all of the parks we have to offer.

Following is a list of the parks and the amenities offered at each one.

Lapham Peak State Park is located in the Kettle Moraine Forest just west of the City of Waukesha. The park offers three picnic areas, a butterfly garden, a prairie restoration area and an amphitheater. If you enjoy hiking there are over 15 miles of dirt and accessible paved nature trails. There is also a 5 mile multi-use trial for horseback riding, mountain biking, snowshoeing and dog sled training. Over 20 miles of trails are open for cross-country skiing in the winter.

One of the main attractions at Lapham Peak is the observation tower. It is 45 feet tall and stands at the highest point in Waukesha County. On a clear day this offers a panoramic view of southeastern Wisconsin and the northern edge of Illinois.

A vehicle admission must be purchased for entrance to the park. The daily admission fee for state residents is $7.00. Out of state visitors will pay $10.00. Alternatively, a yearly pass can be purchased that allows admittance to all state parks for $25.00 for residents and $35.00 for non-residents. A state trail pass will also be needed if you plan to bike, cross-country ski, ride horse or in-line skate. A trail pass is not needed for walking or hiking.

There are eight parks located with the Waukesha County Parks System. Minooka Park is located in the City of Waukesha and is the largest park in the system spanning 580-acres. The park includes a 4-acre swimming pond, beach house and vending machines open from June through August with lifeguards on duty. In addition, you can bring your fishing pole and try your luck at some catch and release fishing in the pond which contains trout, bass, bluegill, perch and crappies.